FOI Administration and Resources
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FOI Process Guide - General
The Freedom of Information Process Guide is a practical guide to assist agencies to process FOI applications. It includes a process map, letters and other useful tools and helpful hints for staff involved in the FOI process. If you have any comments in relation to the content of the Freedom of Information Process Guide please contact us by phone or email.
(408 KB DOC File) Freedom of Information Process Guide
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FOI Process Guide - Ministers' Offices
To cater for the minor differences that are necessary when processing FOI applications made to a Minister's Office, an additional guide has been prepared. This guide should be used in conjunction with the general FOI Processing Guide.
(141 KB DOC File) Processing FOI Applications in Ministers Offices
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FOIMS - Across Government FOI Management System
The Minister for Finance in South Australia has overall responsibility for the Freedom of Information Act, 1991 (FOI). State Records of South Australia, on behalf of the Minister, is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the FOI Act. At the request of the Minister, State Records has deployed an Across-Government Freedom of Information Management System (FOIMS) with the objective of providing a reliable and efficient recording system to manage FOI applications for South Australian State Government Agencies, Local Government Authorities and South Australian Universities. The Minister wishes to ensure that there is a consistent FOI framework for the whole of government in South Australia that allows accurate and responsive reporting on FOI applications. Extensive consultation with State Government, Local Government and University representatives and the formation of a Key User Group, has ensured that FOIMS meets the needs of all types of usage. We believe that FOIMS allows FOI Officers to respond to FOI requests more easily and efficiently. To support the use of FOIMS, State Records has released two training courses - an introduction to FOIMS and a refresher on the use of FOIMS Further information on FOIMS may be acquired via the links below.
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In order to register your agency on the FOIMS system, you will need to download the FOIMS Agency Registration Form, complete it and return as per the instructions on the form. State Records will use the information to create your agency and an agency administrator in FOIMS, then notify you of your login. To find out more about registration and becoming operational in FOIMS, please contact Freedom of Information Enquiries.
(39 KB DOC File) FOIMS Agency Registration Form
(33 KB PDF File) FOIMS Agency Registration Form
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FOI Officers
The FOI Act requires that an Accredited FOI Officer deals with all FOI applications. Hence, all South Australian Government Agencies and South Australian Universities have an Accredited FOI Officer. The Accredited FOI Officer for an Agency is automatically the Principal Officer for that Agency. The Principal Officer can also designate an officer of their Agency to be an Accredited FOI Officer. To be designated as an Accredited FOI Officer, you must satisfy the following legislative requirements. You must: - have completed FOI Officer training approved by the Minister
- have been designated by the Principal Officer of your Agency as an Accredited FOI Officer
- be employed in an executive position under the Public Sector Management Act, 1995 in an administrative unit or in a position that usually reports to an Executive, or be an officer in the South Australian Police, or (in any other case) be employed in a position that usually reports to the Principal Officer of the Agency or to the Deputy or immediate delegate.
For audit purposes, it is recommended that this delegation be in writing. If you would like more information about FOI Officer training, please click on link below.
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State Records uses the Freedom of Information Management System (FOIMS) for FOI Officer contact details. Please check that the details for your Agency are up-to-date. Changes can only be made by your FOIMS Agency Administrator.
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FOI Officers' Forum
To assist FOI Officers, State Records periodically organises a FOI Officers' Forum. Briefly, the FOI Officers' Forum has been established to: - disseminate information on the Freedom of Information Act, 1991, and supporting processes, to FOI Officers
- set-up a network between FOI Officers for mutual support, advice and guidance
- allow feedback and suggestions to flow to State Records on the process and administration of FOI
- improve the skill levels and experience of individual FOI Officers.
To assist with the organisation of the FOI Officers' Forum, an Advisory Group has been established. This Group meets between forums to establish an agenda for the next forum based upon suggestions from participants. Scheduling of the Forum is dependent on key issues for discussion, such as legislative or policy developments, and the availability of resources from State Records.
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State Records provides an awareness education programme for FOI Officers to familiarise them with the principles of Freedom of Information (FOI). Additionally, State Records offers a range of training to assist with the requirements to become a designated FOI Officer. Further details may be found at the links below.
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